REFILE-UPDATE 1-Samsung, LG Elec to respond to US patent cases

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SEOUL, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS), the world's largest maker of memory chips, said on Tuesday it would "actively respond" to patent infringement suits brought against it by smaller U.S. rival Spansion SPSN.O.

Separately, mobile phone and appliance maker LG Electronics Inc (066570.KS) said it had not infringed Eastman Kodak's (EK.N) patented digital camera technology in its mobile devices, after Kodak accused LG and Samsung of patent violation.

These were the latest in a series of technology disputes targetting export-oriented South Korean electronics makers, which are often involved in patents cases due to their wide business portfolios and reliance on imported technology and parts.

Spansion, a maker of flash memory chips, is seeking the exclusion from the U.S. market of electronic devices containing Samsung's flash memory components that it said infringe its patents. Spansion Chief Executive Bertrand Cambou told Reuters it could seek billions of dollars in damages from Samsung. [ID:nBNG166315]

"We will actively respond to the litigation," said Samsung spokesman James Chung, without elaborating.

Samsung declined to comment on the case with Kodak.

At 0125 GMT, shares in Samsung, South Korea's biggest stock, fell 2.55 percent, lagging the wider market's 1.74 percent loss. LG Electronics shares fell 1.05 percent.

Kodak has asked the International Trade Commission to investigate Samsung and LG for possible patent infringements regarding digital cameras in mobile phones and other wireless devices.[ID:nN17512270]

"LG has not infringed Kodak's patented technology," LG said, adding it would be active in dealing with any litigation. (Reporting by Rhee So-eui; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)